Week in Reflection

We Give Thanks

Kathleen Kisabeth

Happy Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving is not only a time to reflect and be grateful for all we have, but also marks a time of fellowship with friends and family. When I look back to the last year I realize I am blessed more than I deserve to be.

I am so grateful for the welcome I have received into the Chardon schools and community. I am fortunate to work with such a friendly staff, who has gone out of their way to make me feel comfortable. I truly appreciate the support. I am beyond blessed to work with such amazing students every day. They come to school ready to learn, grow, and have fun. I was told when I took the job that Chardon had great kids, and that was not a lie. I am blessed to have developed relationships with so many great students in such a short time and look forward to the relationships yet to come.

I would be remiss if I did not state how grateful I am for my friends and family that constantly support me. Thanksgiving break is always such a great time to reconnect with them and to let them know how much they are loved and appreciated.

I hope you all take time over this Thanksgiving break to remember what it is you have to be thankful for. May this time, and all of the holiday season, be filled with gratitude and goodwill. ​

Ryan Bandiera

Thanksgiving is a great time to look at the past year and remember all of those things that I am thankful for. It is amazing to think that we are already nearing the end of the first semester. I have had the opportunity to develop so many positive relationships with students and families here at Chardon.

When I stepped away from being an Intervention Specialist at Twinsburg Schools, I was nervous. This was the only school I knew. It was where I grew up, where I graduated, and I was teaching next to some of my former teachers. How would I ever find a place that would truly feel like home? To my surprise, Chardon High School was that place. I am thankful everyday to walk in and see the smiling faces of students and staff. Students go out of their way to help other students and provide encouragement when others are down. These students don’t just know our core values, they are living proof of them in their daily actions. I am thankful that I have found my new home.

This Thanksgiving I am also thankful for my family. Without their support, I would not be half the person I am today. I am thankful for the opportunity to spend this holiday weekend with my wife and parents visiting my brother in Arizona. It is my wish that during this Thanksgiving weekend, all of our Chardon families get to spend quality restful time together with their loved ones.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Douglas Murray

100 days have passed since Opening Day. It is important to take the time to reflect on all of the beauty of the past 100 days. Every single day provides for us an opportunity to give, to learn, and to serve. I am forever grateful to the friends that I have as I walk down each hallway. It is easy to call the staff at CHS my friends. The teachers and staff members energize me with their passion for learning and love of our students. The staff at CHS have rallied this year around one single focus: Live Your Purpose. This simple statement has created a culture of caring, and a focus on high achievement. I love my staff, and I am forever grateful for their gifts that they provide our students.

One of the best parts of my day is interacting with students. This senior class and I came into CHS together. It is hard to believe that they are almost at the halfway point of their memorable year. We have such wonderful students! I truly love their kindness, energy, creativity, and leadership. I am so grateful for the beauty they give to the Chardon community. I am a better man just by working beside each of them.

I am grateful for the support, encouragement, and assistance that our parents have provided not only me, but to our teachers, coaches, and community. You continue to model servant leadership to each of us!

Most importantly, I am grateful to my beautiful family that sacrifice so much to be with me. My wife is truly my best friend. She is beside me at many events, and often waits up for me for all the dances, and evening events. I am blessed to have our daughters at Chardon, and I look forward to sharing many memories with them through their years in our district.

Thanksgiving is an opportunity to give thanks to the simple things in life: family, friends and familiar fellowship. Let this day be a reminder of how the simple things in life are strongest reminders of why we work, why we give, and why we serve. Have a beautiful week with your family!